God Bless America

While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that’s free,
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.

God bless America,
Land that I love,
Stand beside her, and guide her
Through the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, My home sweet home
God bless America, My home sweet home.


Originally composted by Irving Berlin in 1918, and reworked by him in 1938, “God Bless America” has become the nation’s de facto anthem. Songstress Kate Smith performed her soon to-be signature song for the first time on her radio show on November 11, 1938. It was an immediate sensation whose power and patriotism has not been diminished in the decades since. Though subsequently covered by innumerable other artists, Smith’s resounding version remains the best known and most beloved rendition.

National Recording Registry
http://www.loc.gov/rr/record/nrpb/registry/nrpb-2002reg.html